Early update for Toyota RAV4

TOYOTA’S RAV4 compact SUV range has been given a boost with extra safety and comfort features, albeit with price increases of between $200 and $1800 across the range.

The additions to the line-up come just one year after the launch of the fourth-generation model, with Toyota saying in a statement that it would rather update the model now rather than wait for a mid-life upgrade.

Four variants with manual gearboxes have been discontinued due to what Toyota says is “customer demand” – lack of sales – meaning the three all-wheel drive petrol variants, the GX, GXL and Cruiser, are automatic only. In addition, the range-topping AWD diesel Cruiser is now only available with a self-shifter.

Most variants carry a $200 price increase over the 2013 model, with the range now kicking off from $28,690 plus on-road costs for the GX two-wheel drive petrol with a six-speed manual gearbox, before moving up to $32,690 for the manual GXL.

The optional six-speed automatic transmission adds $2500 to the price.

Automatic-only petrol all-wheel drive variants start from $34,690 for the GX and $38,190 for mid-spec GXL, while the Cruiser retails for $47,290.

All-wheel drive variants powered by Toyota’s 110kW/340Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel now start at $35,690 for the GX manual and $39,190 for the GXL manual, but the Cruiser matched with an automatic transmission is up by $1800 to $50,790.

The $1800 premium on the Cruiser is due to a number of new standard features, including a cross traffic alert that advises the driver of a possible collision when reversing out of a car space as well as a lane departure warning.

The company says this is the first Toyota available on the local market with both the safety technologies.

Further to the new safety features, the Cruiser features a premium 11-speaker JBL sound system with DAB+ digital radio, automatic high beam adjustment and 18-inch machined alloy wheels (up from 17-inch) with black highlights and wider, lower-profile 235/55 Dunlop tyres.

A reversing camera has been fitted to base GX variants, meaning the entire RAV4 range now comes standard with a camera.

Each variant features a 6.1-inch full-colour multimedia display screen and audio controls on the steering wheel.

Mechanically, the RAV4 remains unchanged, with Toyota continuing to offer a choice of three engines, including the aforementioned diesel as well as two petrol engines – a 107kW/187Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit and the more powerful 132kW/233Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine from the locally-built Camry sedan.

Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the RAV4 has been a popular model since launch and the additions to the range should ensure it remains on buyers shopping lists.

“RAV4 was launched as recently as February and has been well received in Australia with sales this year reaching 15,595 - an increase of 21.2 per cent over the same period last year,” he said.

“Toyota’s commitment to safety and to our customers drove us to bring these latest features to the market now, rather than waiting for a more typical upgrade timing.”

In May last year, Toyota addressed criticism of its first ever diesel RAV4 by increasing the towing capacity from a relatively low 500kg to 1000kg, which still trailed a number of its key rivals.

This has not been further increased as a part of the 2014 upgrade, with the diesel variants maintaining their 1000kg braked towing capacity, while the 2.5-litre petrol can haul 1500kg and the 2.2-litre petrol unit in front-wheel drive models able to carry 750kg.

2014 Toyota RAV4 pricing*

Petrol
GX 2WD	$28,690
GX 2WD (a)	$31,190
GXL 2WD	$32,690
GXL 2WD (a)	$35,190
GX AWD (a)	$34,690
GXL AWD (a)	$38,190
Cruiser AWD (a)	$47,290
Diesel
GX AWD	$35,690
GX AWD (a)	$38,190
GXL AWD	$39,190
GXL AWD (a)	$41,690
Cruiser AWD (a)	$50,790

*Excludes on-road costs